- Published:
- Thursday 11 December 2025 at 11:29 am
Families in Melbourne’s southeast will soon have access to more kindergarten places, with the expansion of a Building Blocks Partnership between the Allan Labor Government and Cardinia Shire Council.
Minister for Children Lizzie Blandthorn today announced the expansion which will enable Cockatoo Kindergarten to deliver up to 63 new places for local families, alongside upgrades to the kindergarten’s outdoor play area.
Through the partnership, the Labor Government is investing up to $4.59 million to deliver 181 kindergarten places across two projects by Term 1, 2027.
The first project, announced earlier this year, is already underway at Lang Lang Preschool. A new modular kindergarten is being built on Oxford Street to replace the ageing facility in Whitstable Street, with construction expected to be completed later this year.
Since 2021, the Labor Government has entered 20 Building Blocks Partnerships across Victoria supporting 119 new and expanded kindergartens and creating thousands of new places for children where they’re needed most.
More than 145,000 children and their families are saving up to $2,600 per child each year through the Labor Government’s Free Kinder program, which is available at 97 per cent of kinder programs across the state.
The Labor Government is investing billions to build and expand hundreds of kindergartens across the state, supporting the delivery of 15 hours of three-year-old kindergarten each week by 2029 and up to 30 hours of Pre-Prep each week by 2036.
Through our nation-leading $14 billion Best Start, Best Life reforms, the Labor Government is transforming early childhood education to help children thrive, save families money, and support parents and carers to return to work or study if they choose.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Children Lizzie Blandthorn
“We’re investing in the future of families and children in Melbourne’ growing southeast with this expanded Building Blocks partnership with Cardinia Shire Council – meaning even more children will get the best start in life.”
“Every extra kinder place means more children thriving, and more parents able to return to work or study without worrying about fees.”
“Free Kinder is saving families thousands of dollars every year, for every child, easing cost-of‑living pressures right across Victoria.”
Quote attributable to Member for Monbulk Daniela De Martino
“Cockatoo Kinder has been part of local families’ lives for generations, so seeing it grow is truly wonderful. These extra places mean more kids can start their learning journey right here in the hills, and parents know they’ve got great options close to home.”